Doha: MCC Qatar's 'Dabazo' a thumping success
Reena Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha (GA)
Doha, Apr 13: The Konkani music buffs of Qatar were served with delightful musical extravaganza by Yodelling King Melwyn Peris and his troupe consisting of indefatigable Nephie Pradhan nee Rod and other young singers at 'Dabazo 2013' held at the Al Ghazal Club here on Friday April 12 evening.
Melwyn Peris has a special place in the hearts of the Konkani music lovers and over the years has carved a niche for himself in Konkani with his electrifying performances across the Konkani world. Known for foot-tapping yet meaningful compositions, Melwyn often has been touted as one of the greats of Konkani music. This is why entire Konkani world was in great sorrow and dismay when he met with a life-threatening accident in the year 2012 and prayed for his recovery. He has not only recovered but has come back with renewed energy and synergy, entertaining his fans all over again.
Dabazo was his first show abroad after recovering from the accident and Doha’s ever-encouraging music lovers had gathered in great numbers to witness this memorable show.
Local talents of Qatar started off with the MCC theme song composed by Remy Katipalla, thereafter the much awaited evening began with ‘Dabazo’ song specially composed for the occasion by Melwyn. It was an auspicious beginning everyone in the audience was waiting for. But what transpire after this was pure ‘entertainment, entertainment and entertainment’. As Melwyn and his troupe belted out some of the super-duper Konkani numbers, the audience erupted in great joy and appreciation which echoed through the closed doors of Al Ghazal Club. It was one of the best Konkani shows ever held in Qatar and Melwyn truly needs to be feted for presenting such a marvelous show.
Songs as ‘Saang Kedna Yetai’ by one of Konkani’s most talented young singers Robin Sequeira, the first runners-up at the Soad-3 International, ‘Di Mog’ by ever melodious Nephie Rodrigues gave a brilliant start to the evening.
A short stage programe was held at the occasion, Sunil D’silva the president of MCC welcomed the gathering after which Henry D’souza the advisor of the club was honoured and felicitated for this contribution to MCC and the Mangalorean Community of Qatar. Riana Pinto the cultural secretary conducted the honouring ceremony. Tarun Basu the president of ICC was the chief guest and Fr Anand Castelino from the Church of our Lady of Rosary was the guest of honour. To mark the occasion ‘Sugandh’ the souvenir was released by the guests. Ronald Saldanha the vice president was present on the dias while the stage programme was ably compered by Kiran Vas.
Thereafter the evergreen number ‘Lhanponna’ by Nestor Peris, ‘Vell Dhanvta by mellifluous Amabelle Moras, the winner of Rani Kogull at the first Soad etc had the audience asking for more. Goan masterpiece ‘Franklin’ sung by Nephie were indeed received with thunderous applause by the audience. There was more in store for the audience in the form of duet numbers such as ‘Chondrem Udela Mollbar’ by Robin-Amabelle, Rudy-Judy by Soad 3 International finalists from Qatar Naveen Pinto and Sana Britto,’Ho Soro Khaincho’ by Melwyn-Nephie, ‘Justina-Agostina’ by Robin-Amabelle.
There were also scintillating dances by local dancers to the tunes of some of the live songs. Santhosh Menezes choreographed dance for the song ‘ Chondrem Udela Mollbar’ presented by Primal Menezes, Santhosh Menezes, Ryan Renjar, Cybil D’Souza, Eva Wilma Pinto and Arun D’Souza while Mishal Lobo choreographed the dance for the song Manglur Amche which was performed by Christeen Lobo, Mishal Lobo, Macklin Pereira, Suzan Pereira, Vijay D’Souza, Kripa D’souza, Rupesh Pais and Violet Rodrigues.
The foot-tapping number ‘Cha Cha Cha’ had the dance choreographed by Doha’s well-known choreographer Effey Noronha and was presented by scintillating Swizel Pereira, Dylan D’Souza, Cyandra D’Cunha, Ryan Renjar, Michelle Mathias, Melroy Crasto, Gina Noronha and Sanlorf D’Silva. The melodious number ‘Vell Dhanvta’ was presented by Amabelle and dancers Riona Gonsalves, Arnon Pinto, Gishal Cordeiro and Avlon Rosario, trained by Melola Serrao presented the mesmerising dance.
Mangalore’s well-known comedians Jerry Rasquinha and Joseph Pinto fondly known as ‘Jerry-Juje’ took care of the comedy quotient of the evening with some rib-tickling, innovating and creative skits. Jerry and Joseph are match unto themselves when it comes to such spontaneous and creative humour, a novelty in Konkani circles.
The live music for the show was provided by some of Konkani’s greatest musicians led by Sangeet Guru Joel Pereira on keyboard. The ever-smiling and creative Roshan D’Souza on lead guitar, enormously-talented Jerome Coelho on bass guitar, gifted Theo Alvares on trumpet and unrelenting and untiring Melwyn Fernandes on drums were at their best providing able support to the singers and displaying their extraordinary skills.
Roshan D'Silva who was specially flown in from U.A.E compered the entire show with the charm and dynamism he is known for, he kept the show going in high spirits through his unique comedy and excellent flair over Konkani language.
Reena Castelino the lady advisor of the club conducted the honouring ceremony of the artists, Rocky Fernandes representing the Main Sponsor Integra International handed over mementoes to the artists on behalf of MCC. Prakash Noronha the General secretary proposed the vote of thanks. Santosh Monteiro and Emilia Castelino were the sponsor announcers of the evening.
Ravi Shetty, philanthropist and president of Bunts Qatar, Seethram Shetty the president of Tulu Koota Qatar, VS Mannagi president of Karnataka Sangha Qatar, Simon Dsilva Presient Goan Welfare Association, Divakar Poojary and other prominent members of the community were present during the occasion.
M/s Integra International Trading was the main sponsor, Shajhan Trading the co-sponsor, M/s Argon Global was the platinum sponsor, M/sShannon Trading & Cont.Co was the gold sponsor. The co-sponsors were M/s Space Trading Co., M/s Construction Development Co., M/s Al Balagh Trading & Contracting Co, M/s Qatar Kentz, M/s Integral Food Services (Bombay Chowpatty), M/s Petromac, M/s Advanced Technical Services. Banners were displayed from M/s Green Tech Ref & Air Co. WLL, M/s Brunel Oil & Gas Services WLL.
Media partner was Daijiworld.com, event manager was Media Plus, souvenir designing was done by Eddie Sequeira Mangalore and souvenir printing was done at Al Jazeera Printing Press.
MCC thanks all the sponsors for their support and one all who have contributed towards the success of this musical evening.